Black College Journalists on the Presidential Campaign

I combed the editorial pages of America’s HBCUs to get a sense of what students at the historically Black campuses are saying about the current presidential campaigns. Here’s a sampling of what I found:

When I see Obama, I don’t simply see a black man – I see a man of change. I see a man who will provide everyone with health care rather than succumb to the ills of society. I see a man who will cut taxes and enable people to spend their money on whatever they deem necessary. I see a man who will free the soldiers who have been subject to rampant killings and relieve them from this ongoing agony.

—Carl Lamarre, in Howard University’s The Hilltop

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During the debate [moderator Gwen] Ifill was unbiased. Ifill did her job and asked fair, unbiased questions. The debate seemed very confusing. Both candidates seemed to make “plugs” for their presidential candidate rather than answer questions. But when they did answer questions Palin did not come across as knowledgeable as Biden.

The media’s accusations that Ifill would be biased were unwarranted. A moderator cannot form the words pouring from a candidate’s mouth. During a debate a question is asked and the candidate has to respond. Palin and Biden could only say what was on their mind. In the end the candidate with the most knowledge still shined.

—Earlena Boswell, in Florida A&M University’s The Famuan

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[C]ollege students are the future leaders of America. Their votes will matter the most, especially in this election.

—Latasha Edwards, in Flordia A&M University’s The Famuan

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Throughout the [first] debate, Obama repeatedly found himself on the defensive, responding to attacks from McCain on his opposition to the Iraq surge, his willingness to meet with foreign leaders such as the president of Iran, and his alleged support for congressional earmarks. Obama also did something he may find himself regretting later-he often started his responses by saying “John is right” or “I agree with John.” The McCain campaign has already edited together a YouTube video of those com-plimentary Obama remarks.

—Edward Mitchell, Black College Wire

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My first thought was ‘Oh no, why does Michelle Obama have to have an Afro?’ But taking a closer look I couldn’t help but laugh because it is all so unbelievable. In my opinion “The New Yorker” has done its job.

Although most of the things on the cover are a far cry from being true, there are a few things to take note of. Michelle Obama with a bushy Afro and the fist pound. I for one would love to see the future First Lady working a natural hair style; I think it suits her. I’m hoping she’ll see the cover and notice how well it frames her animated caricature.

–Howard University Student Eboni Farmer on the infamous New Yorker cover drawing of the Obamas, for Black College Wire

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Posted by Ajuan Mance